This type of coin has two types of what are known as "Standing Liberties." The first type, shown below, as innocent as it may appear for a coin, caused quite a controversy when it was first minted in 1917. If you look closely, you can see that one of Lady Liberty's breasts is exposed.
Apparently the American public did not take too kindly to the design and so a second type was developed (shown below). Instead of disregarding the design completely, the artist, Hermon A. MacNeil merely modified it. MacNeil placed chainmail over the exposed area on the new design, making her both appear less "exposed" and more warrior-like. Apparently, there are no records in the Mint citing "indecency" as the reason for changing the design in the coin. Instead, the reason is cited as making the design more "warrior-like," since at this time America was heading off to war. Regardless of the "correct" answer, who knew coins could cause quite a controversy?
Apparently the American public did not take too kindly to the design and so a second type was developed (shown below). Instead of disregarding the design completely, the artist, Hermon A. MacNeil merely modified it. MacNeil placed chainmail over the exposed area on the new design, making her both appear less "exposed" and more warrior-like. Apparently, there are no records in the Mint citing "indecency" as the reason for changing the design in the coin. Instead, the reason is cited as making the design more "warrior-like," since at this time America was heading off to war. Regardless of the "correct" answer, who knew coins could cause quite a controversy?
The "indecent" Standing Liberty, Type I, 1917 (Image from www.coincommunity.com).
The chainmailed Standing Liberty, Type III, 1925 (Image from coins.thefuntimesguide.com).
The chainmailed Standing Liberty, Type III, 1925 (Image from coins.thefuntimesguide.com).
scandalous!
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